To put it simply, Bangkok can seem like a labyrinth to new arrivals in the city. The sprawling expressways and overpasses, huge new Skytrain and crowded streets full of vendors give the place a distinct Blade Runner-esque feel. Causing even further confusion is the lack of a true "center" to the city, with various districts scattered throughout town. On the positive side, the Skytrain has made it much easier to get around, and taxis,
tuk-tuks, buses and motorcycle taxis are plentiful. Get your bearings by reading the following guide and it will not take long for you to be seduced by the glorious chaos and charm of the "City of Angels."
Phra Nakorn
The most heavily visited area, at least during the day, is Ko Rattanakosin (Rattanakosin Island), Bangkok's old city on the eastern bank of the Chao Phraya River. Here you will find fantastic examples of historical architecture such as the glittering Grand Palace, Wat Phra Keo, Wat Pho, Wat Mahathat, the Golden Mount and Wat Suthat. The city's founding...
more local infoYou may have seen the giant three-headed elephant just east of Bangkok, but if you haven’t stopped by, you should. It’s the fascinating Erawan Museum which gives you some background on Buddhism and some Buddhist art to look at. But obviously, the most impressive part of the place is this enormous hollow elephant statue. Inside are a variety of decorations and even a blue-toned shrine way up in the head. The scene pictured here is just inside... Read More
Most people who are familiar with Thai cuisine will know about mango and sticky rice, but for the first time traveler, this is something you shouldn’t miss. Thai mangoes may be even sweeter than the Thais themselves. Always abundant both in quantity and species, the mangoes find their way into a variety of dishes and can be eaten green with salt and chili powder. But a really good way to eat them is with sticky rice. No, not the rice you get when... Read More
I love it when food becomes an experience. It’s not just delicious, but something comes together in the texture, taste, combination and presentation that transcends just your typical yummy meal. Gaggan, a progressive Indian restaurant here in Bangkok, the creation of Chef Gaggan Anand, a native of Kolkata, is one of those food experiences you are not likely to forget. Naysayers always balk when portions appear small or attention is paid to they way a dish... Read More
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Khao Yai National Park outside of Bangkok
A full-day guided excursion to the protected green landscapes of Khao Yai, one of Thailand's most beautiful National Parks, is the ideal city escape...
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- Tours
- Outside the city
- Nile Expert Tip: The Dong Phayayen-Khao Yai Forest Complex is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
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Co van Kessel Bangkok Tours
- Co van Kessel has been running bike tours since 1975. These Bangkok bike tours go off the main roads and down side streets, narrow, labyrinthine...
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- Biking
- Chinatown/Yaowarat
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Museum of Buddhist Art
- In all of Bangkok you're not going to find the equal of this private collection of Buddhist art. Primarily made up of statues, the collection includes...
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- Art Museums/Galleries
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